Q: What is involved in a SWITCH!?
A: O&M specialists exchange work positions and accommodations for one year. Salary is not swapped, as the participants continue to be employed by their home employer.
Q: Who can apply to SWITCH! To be an exchangee?
A: Full time permanent Orientation and Mobility Instructors. Applicants must have completed at least two years O&M work experience prior to commencing an exchange.
Q: Is there an age restriction for participants?
A: No. However participants nearing retirement age must still be willing to work for their home employer for one year at the end of their exchange.
Q: How much will it cost?
A: The non-refundable application fee is A$50. Participants pay for their own airfare, visas, travel, medical insurance and expenditure in the host country.
Q: Do I get to choose which country I go to?
A: You can submit one or more preferences from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Singapore, United Kingdom or United States of America. The more countries you choose the greater your chances of being selected. While we encourage you to be open minded and not follow preconceived ideas applicants should only choose the countries they would be willing to go to.
Q: I live at home with my parents, how can I do a SWITCH!?
A: Sole occupancy is required for exchange accommodations. You could provide a paid furnished rental for your exchangee.
Q: Will my accompanying spouse or partner be able to work in the host country?
A: The different exchange countries will vary with VISA requirements. Applicants will need to contact the relevant embassy/consulate. Even when spouses are legally able to pursue work they might not be able to find a job, applicants should be prepared financially for their spouse to remain unemployed.
Q: Will I have workers compensation/medical coverage during the SWITCH!?
A: Participants will need to take out their own medical/travel insurance.
As participants will be following the job description of their host employer for one year, the host employer will be asked by SWITCH! to provide the hosted exchangee with professional indemnity insurance.
Q: Can I take annual leave while on exchange?
A: Yes, however you cannot take more than your host colleagues. Your host employer will have to approve the leave. You cannot take more annual leave than you have accrued at home. You cannot take long service leave.
Q: What if I have an emergency at home and need to return before the SWITCH! is completed?
A: Each individual case will need to be reviewed by employer and exchangees. Approved leave might be able to be taken but it is expected the exchange counterpart will remain in the accommodation and at work. An exchangee who returns home during the exchange year must make alternative accommodation arrangements and will not be able to return to their work positions.
Q: What are my tax obligations during the SWITCH!?
A: Your local taxation office / a tax specialist should be consulted.
Q: I have read all the information, completed and signed three copies of the application form – what next?
A: Check that you have attached the written reference from your current employer endorsing the application and an A4 double-sided colour photocopy of your photos. Enclose the postal/money order of Fifty Australian dollars made out to SWITCH! The Orientation and Mobility Instructors Exchange Programme and post to:
SWITCH! Po Box 2024 ROSSMOYNE WA 6148
AUSTRALIA.